BIBLE  SYMBOLISM  IN GENESIS, REGARDING THE FIRST AND SECOND COVENANTS

References are numbered and listed at the end of the main article.

In the book of Genesis you will see that it wasn't enough for the God of the universe to simply say what the future would bring concerning his plan of redemption for the world through the sacrifice of his son, he in his awesome abilities told it thousands years before it happened symbolically through the lives of individuals and nations. This article will go into the symbolisms that deal with the subject of the Old and New Covenants  as revealed in Genesis and their prophetic significance. Obviously this is not all the symbolism found in Genesis but it seems to be the main thrust. 

Since this article delves heavily into the subject of Israel which appears to be such a controversial subject in this era, it seems good to cover up front what is plainly declared in the New Testament by Jesus and his Apostle's teachings instead of  teaching what may be a new or controversial subject to many via biblical symbolisms. What one will find if they properly understand the Bible is that the Apostles of the New Testament are teaching exactly what the Prophets of the Old testament were teaching in the sense of doctrine and prophecy. That is the main thrust of this article, to prove that what is taught about Israel and the Old and New Covenants in the New Testament is also what is taught in Genesis. 

In Galatians 3: The Apostle plainly teaches: Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7. Understand therefore that they which are of faith, they are the children of Abraham. 8. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the gentiles through faith,  beforehand preached the gospel to Abraham, saying, "in you shall all nations be blessed."

As it relates to the article, the point that is being made, is that this verse says whoever (Jew or gentile) is of the faith of /in Jesus Christ they are the children of Abraham. Not "symbolically" the children of Abraham or "figuratively"  or even "spiritually" but they are literally.  Many will say at this point that the word literal to describe gentiles as Abrahams children is absurd. To which I would agree heartily if God did not literally have in mind beforehand all nationalities when he used the term "children of Abraham"  preaching  the gospel to Abraham thousands of years in advance. This is the very aim of this article, to prove that the book of Genesis teaches this over and over. Lets observe how Jesus sees it in John 8:

37. I know that ye are Abraham's descendants; but you seek to kill me, because my word has no place in you. 38. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and you do that which ye have seen with your father. 39. They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children, you would do the things Abraham did. 40. But now you seek to kill me, a man that has told you the truth, which I have heard of God: Abraham did not do that. 41. You do what your  father does. Then said they to him, We were not born out of wedlock; we have one Father, even God. 42. Jesus said to them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43. Why don't you understand my speech? it's because ye cannot hear my word. 44. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and lived not according to the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45. This is why when I tell you the truth, you do not believe me.

Jesus himself says exactly the same thing his apostle does in Galatians,  that God does not consider wicked men even if they are physical descendants of Abraham children of Abraham. A closer look at an oft misunderstood scripture might further enlighten the reader to this in Romans chap. 11 the reference being the physical descendants of  Abraham.

17. And if some of the branches be broken off (Israelites), and you (Gentiles), being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18. Boast not against the branches. But if you boast, you bear not the root, but the root you. 19. You might say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: 21. For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also does not spare you. 22. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness: otherwise you also shall be cut off. 23. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

The root of the olive tree is not Abraham physically and the tree the physical linage, but rather, the root is the faith of Abraham based on the promise of God. This is confirmed by the references to faith as the condition of being a branch of the tree. In other words it is what is voluntary in us rather than our physical descent that Jew or gentile may be called "children" of Abraham. 

Based on the premise above in Galatians 3: 7-8, that the promise/promises to Abraham were for all nations through Jesus Christ rather than Abrahams physical descendants  it is then explained in Galatians 3: 16  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He says not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to your seed, which is Christ. Or as the simple English version says: God made promises to Abraham and his descendant. God did not say ``and to your descendants.'' That would mean many people. But God said, ``and to your descendant.'' This means only one person--Christ. It can be clearly ascertained then that the Apostle is teaching that the promises made to Abraham were not about or to his physical descendants (which are the many descendants referred to,) but to Jesus Christ Gods one and only begotten Son. Then in verses 26 -29: he shows how God "foresaw" that the nations would be Abrahams children: 26. For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for  all are one in Christ Jesus.29. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's children, and heirs according to the promise.

There is a confusion on this issue that has arisen in the last century as if the promises made to Abraham were to his (many) physical descendants rather than to Jesus Christ alone and through Christ all nations. Hopefully, the symbolic teachings in the book of Genesis later in this article will clear this up completely, but the Apostle Paul had something more to say on this subject concerning the Abrahams physical descendants the nation of Israel, and the thing that distinguishes them from other nations, i.e. the law of Moses. In Galatians 3: 17 it states this:

17. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Or as the New International Version puts it: What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

The Apostle is teaching  that God gave these promises to Abrahams one descendant Jesus, and his plan all along was for all nations through this one descendant.  God didn't  add to, or make a new plan or a new set of promises to Abrahams physical descendants with the giving of the law or the Old Covenant but the plan/promises/ inheritance/prophecy remained the same and they all pointed to that one descendant and the New Covenant. Further more, as the real issue will unfold in the symbolisms in Genesis, it will be easily seen that  the "all nations would be blessed promise" and all the other promises spoken of also includes the physical descendents of Abraham. In other words the nation of Israel is not separate from but is one of those "all nations" (verse 28 there is neither Jew nor Greek,) and this is what God had in mind from the start. So then the question arises "why did God call them out of  Egypt and separate them from the whole world by giving them the law?" Here are some versus to answer this:

 Romans 3:1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. The main reason stated here is to bring the Word of God into the earth. Then the beginning of the next verse states: 3 What if some did not have faith?.....Herein lies the reason for the law, some, actually the majority, were disobedient to the calling of God on their nation. The verses below spelling out Gods plan to use them anyway.

Galatians 3:19. What was the purpose the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the descendent should come to whom the promise was made....
Hebrews 9: 10. Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Hebrews 10:1. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things..... Or as the New International Version says: The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves..... 

The key words in these verses are: It was added, it was imposed upon, and it was a shadow (or symbolic.) Then these key words: Until the descendant comes, until the time of reformation, and reality rather than symbolic rituals. Or as Jesus put it in John 4:

19. The woman sad to him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; but you say, that Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21. Jesus answered her, Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father..... 23. But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.

The simple concept of what is being stated here is this: There was a time factor in Gods plan for the world that he promised to Abraham through his descendant. God's intention was to use Abrahams physical descendants to herald the good news in advance. The majority of Abrahams physical descendants were not willing to trust and therefore serve God in this matter just as God knew they would not.  Therefore not willing to be thwarted God imposed upon the unfaithful among them symbolic rituals and rites that  proclaimed the good news of the redeemer and redemption of mankind in hundreds of different figurative ways. More will be said on this particular subject in a future Bible basics article "Why the Law," but here are a few more versus #1.
Having laid somewhat of a foundation of Basic New Testament teaching on what God from the very beginning had in mind when he made promises to Abraham, Genesis can now be looked at to see if it teaches the same thing the New Testament does in a symbolic fashion starting with the New Testament account Genesis.

Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22. For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a slave woman, the other by a free woman. 23. The son of the slave woman was born by  normal physical means; but the son of the free woman as a result of Gods promise. 24. These two woman are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which produces bondage, This is Hagar. 25. For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to (symbolizes) Jerusalem which now is, and is a slave with her children.  26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written: "Be glad, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband." 28. Now we, brothers, according to Isaac, are the children of promise. 29. But as then he that was born after the normal physical means persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 30. Nevertheless what does the scripture say? Cast out the slave woman and her son: for the son of the slave woman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Notice carefully the Apostles words, "these are the two covenants." Hagar he says, is Mount Sinai (the first covenant,) and it symbolizes (prophetically) the literal city of Jerusalem, and Ishmael the child of the slave woman symbolizes the children of the literal city of Jerusalem.  He is clearly stating that Ishmael the first born prophetically represents the first covenant and that Isaac represents the second covenant. Ishmael born first through normal physical means and secondly Isaac who was born not by physical means nor the will of man but of God #2.  It is also clear by the Apostles doctrine that Abrahams wife Sara represents the heavenly Jerusalem. Then quoting Isaiah 54 #3 he declares this prophetic chapter to speak directly about the New Jerusalem and the second covenant as opposed to the literal Jerusalem and the first covenant.  
In light of current circumstances in the world it would be wise to talk of some of the other aspects of these verses, specifically the physical descendants of Isaac and Ishmael.  The spiritually uninformed have a natural tendency to look at scripture (as is their disposition,) in ways that leave whole races of people condemned or blessed according to physical decent. Students of the Word of God can be assured that God is not so inequitable as to do this.  There are untold millions of Christians who believe the physical descendents of Ishmael are in the disfavor of God based on the story below starting in Genesis 15 and many other Old Testament scriptures. They look at the Middle East today in that same light, with great certainty sighting current events there as being a prophetic fulfillment of Genesis and many other OT scriptures all based on the physical descent of  Jews and Arabs. The question must be asked though, how could this assessment be correct if  Ishmael represents First Covenant that rather than the  Arab peoples that may be descendant physically from him? The answer to this is the first sentence in Galatians 4:21 above which calls the account below in Genesis, "the law." God inspired Paul to call the account of Ishmael and Isaac in Genesis the Law (besides the fact that it is the law, or "Torah" written by Moses,)  because it is so clear a New Testament doctrine, that the Law of Moses has been done away. This is especially true in the case of these two peoples as Ephesians 2:14-16 declares unequivocally: 14 For Christ is our peace, who has made both ( Jew and Gentile) one, and has broken down the dividing wall  of hostility (the law of Moses,) 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law (of Moses) with it's commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so ending the hostility between them. 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. Then in Galatians 3:28 it says: There is neither Jew nor Greek (or: Jew nor Arab, descendant of Isaac or Ishmael,) there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29. And if you are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's descendants, and inheritors of all the promises made to him. 
In reading this one must understand that this was the mystery that has been hidden from generations for ages and was revealed to the Apostles as in  Ephesians 3:3. How that by revelation he made known to me the mystery; (as I wrote before in few words,4. So that, when you read it, you might understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ 5. Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;6. That the Gentiles ( which includes the descendants of Ishmael and Esau) should be fellow heirs (with the Jews), and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.

Genesis 15
1. After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward. 2. And Abram said, Lord God, what will you give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? 3. And Abram said, Behold, to me you hast given no descendent: and, lo, one born in my house is my heir. 4. And, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, This shall not be your heir; but he that shall come forth out of your own bowels shall be your heir. 5. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if you are able to number them: and he said to him, So shall your descendent be....18. In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, to your descendent have I given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates:.
Genesis 16
1. Now Sarai Abram's wife bore him no children: and she had an slave woman, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. 2. And Sarai said to Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: so I ask of you, go in to my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3. And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her slave the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. 4. And he went into Hagar, and she conceived:....15. And Hagar bore Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bore, Ishmael.16. And Abram was eighty-six years old, when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.
Genesis 17
1. And when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be perfect. 2. And I will make my covenant between you and I, and will multiply you exceedingly. 3. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4. As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you will be a father of many nations. 5. Neither will your name any more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made you. 6. And I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come out of you. 7. And I will establish my covenant between you and I and your descendent after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you, and to your descendent after you. 8. And I will give to you, and to your descendent after you, the land wherein you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.....15. And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you will not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. 16. And I will bless her, and give you a son also of her: yes, I will bless her, and she will be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. 17. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? 18. And Abraham said to God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! 19. And God said, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son indeed; and you will call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendent after him. 20. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. 21. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear to you at this set time in the next year.
Genesis 21:
1. And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had spoken. 2. For Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 3. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. 4. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5. And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born to him. 6. And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. 7. And she said, Who would have said to Abraham, that Sarah should have nursed children? for I have born him a son in his old age. 8. And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned. 9. And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born to Abraham, mocking. 10. Therefore she said to Abraham, Cast out this slave woman and her son: for the son of this slave woman will not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. 11. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. 12. And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the lad, and because of your slave woman; in all that Sarah has said to you, hearken to her voice; for in Isaac shall your descendent be called. 13. And also of the son of the slave woman will I make a nation, because he is your descendent. 14. And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. 15. And the water was used up in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. 16. And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept. 17. And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, What ails you, Hagar? fear not; for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. 18. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in your hand; for I will make him a great nation.
Genesis 25:
16. These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.
Ishmael having twelve sons "princes" just like Israel formally named Jacob shouldn't be looked upon as a mere coincidence. It would seem that God is just furthering the symbolism that Ishmael represents the first covenant by symbolically prophesying the twelve tribes of Israel.

Next is the New Testament teaching regarding  the Genesis account of Jacob now named Israel, and his twin brother Esau . Reading through Romans chapter nine below how many thousands of  individual Jews were followers of Christ yet the nation of Israel (politically) was rejecting him. The Apostle explains this tragedy in verse 6 by saying that not all who are physical descendants of  Israel (Jacob) are in fact the Israel of promise. Then this same Apostle who wrote in Galatians 4:21-30 explaining that Ishmael represents the first covenant and Isaac the second;  quotes that same scenario in Genesis (verse 7-9) to validate the statement that: "not all who are descended from Israel are in fact Israel." Today unfortunately many large television and radio ministries ignore verse 6, and quote verse 7-9 to somehow twist this into meaning that the physical descendants referred to as not being Israel are Ishmael and Esau. This is impossible though because of verse 6, all of Israel's (Jacob's) children were Israelites by birth, Ishmael was Israel's uncle and Esau was his twin brother. The statement concerns Israel's descendants, that not all of them are in fact descendants, at least in the way that God had in mind when he orchestrated these great events, and used them to prophecy about the future messiah and his covenant with all peoples. 

Romans 9:1. I say the truth in Christ, I'm not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Ghost, 2. That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and separated Christ for my brothers, my own flesh: 4. Who are Israelites; theirs is the adoption,  the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5. They are descendant from the fathers, through who's ancestry Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. 6. Not as though Gods word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.: 7. Nor are they Abrahams children just because they are his physical descendants; but, "through Isaac a descendant will be called out to you" 8. That is, they which are the children by physical descent, these are not the children of God: but the descendents who came through the promise are considered children.  9. For this was the word of promise (from God), "At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son." 

Then, continuing to Romans 9:10-13, the exact same symbolic scenario with the first born verses the second born occurs with Esau and Jacob. Esau the first borne clearly represents the first covenant and is hated by God, while the second born Jacob, representing the second covenant is loved. Further stating that this divine election of the second over the first was that God's eternal purpose through Jesus Christ and the second covenant might stand. In verses 14-23 it continues that revelation by pointing out the history of Israel (politically,) which was used as an instrument to demonstrate Gods anger, destruction being a fitting end.  That God could reveal his glory and show mercy to the whole world. This mystery hidden in the symbolic words of Genesis, but revealed now in the New Testament. Has the power to create a whole new paradigm or worldview that should revolutionize Christian vision and labor in the centuries to come. 

Romans 9:10. And not only this; but when Rebecca and Isaac had twins; 11. (and the children were  not yet born, and not yet  done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls;) 12. It was said to her, "The elder shall serve the younger."13. As it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."14. What shall we say then? Is there unfairness with God? God forbid. 15. For he says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16. So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy. 17. For the scripture says to Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18. Therefore he has mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens. 19. You will say then to me, Why does he yet find fault? For who has resisted his will? 20. No, O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus? 21. Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel for honor, and another to dishonor? 22. What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction 23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had before prepared for glory, 24. Even us, whom he has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Nations. 

The story of Esau and Jacob Israel) in Genesis.

Genesis 25
19. And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham begat Isaac: 20. And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. 21. And Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord. 23. And the Lord said to her, Two nations are in your womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from your bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. 24. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
26. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them. 27. And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. 28. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29. And Jacob was cooking soup: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30. And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me with some of that red soup please; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31. And Jacob said, Sell me this day your birthright. 32. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point of dying: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33. And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he swore to him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and soup made of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Genesis 27
1. And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said to him, My son: and he said answered, Behold, here am I. 2. And Isaac said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death: 3. Now therefore please take, your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison; 4. And make me savory meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless you before I die. 5. And Rebekah heard when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. 6. And Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard your father speak unto Esau your brother, saying, 7. Bring me venison, and make me savory meat, that I may eat, and bless you before the Lord before my death. 8. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command you. 9. Go now to the flock, and fetch me from there two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savory meat for your father, such as he loves: 10. And you will bring it to your father, that he may eat, and that he may bless you before his death. 11. And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man: 12. My father might feel me, and I will seem to him as a deceiver; and I will bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing. 13. And his mother said to him, Upon me be your curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch them for me. 14. And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savory meat, such as his father loved. 15. And Rebekah took good clothing of her eldest son Esau, which was with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son: 16. And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck: 17. And she gave the savory meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. 18. And he came to his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who are you, my son? 19. And Jacob said to his father, I am Esau your firstborn; I have done as you asked of me: arise, please,  sit and eat of my venison, that your soul may bless me. 20. And Isaac said to his son, How is it that you hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord your God brought it to me. 21. And Isaac said to Jacob, Come near, please, that I may feel you, my son, whether you be my very son Esau or not. 22. And Jacob went near to Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. 23. And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him. 24. And he said, Are you my very son Esau? And he said, I am. 25. And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless you. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine and he drank. 26. And his father Isaac said to him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son. 27. And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed: 28. Therefore God give you of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: 29. Let people serve you, and nations bow down to you: be lord over your brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to you: cursed be every one that curses you, and blessed be he that blesses you. 30. And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31. And he also had made savory meat, and brought it to his father, and said to his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that your soul may bless me. 32. And Isaac his father said to him, Who are you? And he said, I am your son, your firstborn Esau. 33. And Isaac trembled very hard, and said, Who? where is he that has taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before you came, and have blessed him? yes, and he shall be blessed. 34. And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said to his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. 35. And he said, Your brother came with subtlety, and has taken away your blessing. 36. And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he has taken away my blessing. And he said, Have you not reserved a blessing for me? 37. And Isaac answered and said to Esau, Behold, I have made him your lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now to you, my son? 38. And Esau said to his father, Have you but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. 39. And Isaac his father answered and said to him, Behold, your dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; 40. And by your sword shall you live, and shall serve your brother; and it shall come to pass when you shall have the dominion, that you shall break his yoke from off your neck.

Now the New testament does not specifically sight the rest of these stories in Genesis about the first born or that which is first as prophetic symbolisms of the first covenant. Likewise it does not declare the second born in the rest of the historical accounts as symbolic of the  grace to come to all mankind through the second covenant.  This should not be a hindrance to the readers acceptance though that they are in fact symbolic of these things since they go through the exact same scenario of the rejection of the first and the embracing of the second.  Look at the account of Adam in 1 Corinthians 15:45. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam (Jesus) was made a life giving spirit. 46. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Then Romans 5:14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Adam just as the physical descendents of Israel and the Law  were heralds of the spiritual realties that were to come into the whole earth, they're lives and the things they did being prophecies of what was to come.  God by his rejection of the first man for his sin, showed beforehand his rejection of the first covenant, which is then repeated through his first born Cain being condemned and rejected by God and Abel his second born being accepted by God just like  Ishmael and Isaac then Esau and Jacob. This is their story below. 

  Genesis 1:26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.
Genesis 2:16. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.
Genesis 3:1. Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, Has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2. And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3. But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. 4. And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die: 5. For God  knows that in the day you eat from it,  your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit, and ate, and gave also to her husband with her; and he ate. 7. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said to him, Where are you? 10. And he said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11. And he said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree, that I commanded  that you should not eat? 12. And the man said, The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13. And the Lord God said to the woman, What is this that you have done? And the woman said, The serpent deceived me, and I did eat. 14. And the Lord God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, you art cursed above all animals, and above every beast of the field; upon your belly shall you crawl, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life: 15. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel. 16. Then to the woman he said, I will greatly multiply your sorrow in your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children; and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you. 17. And to Adam he said, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it: cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow shall thou eat of it all the days of your life; 18. Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to you; and you shall eat the herb of the field; 19. In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread, till you return to the ground; for out of it were you taken: for you are dust, and to dust shall you return. 20. And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. 21. Then for  Adam also and  his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. 22. And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to plow the ground from from which was taken. 24. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim's, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Genesis 4:1. And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. 2. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4. And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect to Abel and to his offering: 5. But to Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6. And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? and why has your countenance fallen? 7. If you do well, shall you not be accepted? and if you do not well, sin lies at the door. And to you shall be his desire, and you need to rule over him. 8. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and murdered him. 9. And the Lord said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I don't know: am I my brother's keeper? 10. And he said, What is this you have done? the voice of your brother's blood cries  to me from the ground. 11. And now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened her mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand; 12. When you plow the ground, it shall not  yield to you her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shall you be in the earth. 13. And Cain said to the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14. Behold, you hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from your face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that finds me shall slay me. 15. And the Lord said to him, Therefore whosoever slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him seven times. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

According to Hebrews and 1st John  the difference between Cain and Abel was that Abel's works were wrought through faith while Cain's works were not. The murder of his brother Abel demonstrated this. Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a greater sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.1 John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. The foreknowledge of God in these prophetic parallels is stunning. The very beginning of the world prophesying the first and second covenants and the salvation of mankind through the lives of the main characters in book of Genesis exactly the same way one after another. It staggers the imagination that Moses could write this historical account 1400 years before the coming of Christ during his time of laying out the first covenant to the people of Israel, and yet so plainly prophecy through the book of Genesis and the rest of the 5 books of the Law that it was all symbolic of the messiah and the age of the second covenant. This wasn't something he was doing without any knowledge of the future either for it says of him  in Exodus 34:28. And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
29. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses did not know that the skin of his face glowed while he talked with him. 30. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face glowed; and they were afraid to come nigh him..... 33. And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. Then in 2 Corinthians 3 it states the reason  Moses hid his face with a veil is so they would not perceive the revelation of the end when the first covenant would be abolished. 2 Corinthians 3:13. And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: This was so clear to Moses that he spoke of that Messiah when he said in Deuteronomy 18:15. The Lord thy God will raise up to you a Prophet from the midst of  you, of your brethren, like  me; to him you shall hearken;16. According to all that you desired of the Lord your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.17. And the Lord said to me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. 18. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like you, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him. 19. And it shall come to pass, that who ever will not hearken to my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. It is astonishing that Moses new the basic theme that this article is trying to communicate thousands of years before it came to pass, but then, who was one of the men standing with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration #4 but Moses, and what were they doing? Discussing the death of Jesus. Then of course there was Moses'  own life that illustrated the exact same thing that the lives of those he wrote about illustrated. In Deuteronomy 34 #5 he was not allowed to bring the children of Israel into the promised land. While the word says it was because he did not have faith and had to strike the rock twice to bring water out instead of once. One can hardly imagine that this was his greatest display of a lack of faith. God used this opportunity to once more prophecy his rejection of the first covenant in favor of the predestined second covenant. This was done in the most amazing way. Joshua the man with the very same name as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ led the people into the promised land. The name Jesus in Hebrew is Joshua, every one in the New Testament called Jesus Yashua or Joshua (in English) and it is Jesus who is given or gives the world the promises of God as it says in 1 Peter and many other verses #6 of the New and Old Testaments. So we have Moses who represents the First Covenant being rejected as far as who will lead the people into the promised inheritance and Joshua representing the Second Covenant who does lead the people into the promised inheritance.  Does this not prophesy exactly the reality that came to the earth? The First Covenant did not lead the people into the promised inheritance but the Second Covenant did and is doing exactly that, as it is written in the letter to the Hebrews #7. 

While this article does not cover all the symbolism in Genesis concerning the Fist and Second Covenants nor the symbolism about other subjects most notably Christ. Hopefully it covers enough that the mind of the reader will be persuaded as to the validity of the subject as written. However it would not be complete without looking into the things the Apostle Paul suffered for preaching these things in his day. Paul's conversion was accompanied by this word from the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:16. For I will show him what great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Perhaps not the word that most would want to hear when they came to Christ.) As it turned out most of the things he suffered were at the hands of or because of his own countrymen who were Israelites. Paul was targeted for murder as a young convert, there were riots, stonings, murder, persecutors that followed him from city to city, jealousy and hatred; go to reference #9 to see some of these accounts. One of the things that makes the persecution of Paul stand out in comparison with others is that when he went to Jerusalem 40 men took an oath in the presence of the Jewish leaders to not eat or drink until they murdered Paul. Acts 23:11. And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as you hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must you bear witness also at Rome. 12. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. 14. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. 15. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, when he comes near, are ready to kill him. 16. And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. It would almost seem that not even Jesus had this type of rage directed at him, certainly not the other Apostles.  What could he have possibly done that seemed to single him out for such special treatment? One need to look no further than the public outcry that got him put in the prison in this episode. Mark his accusers words carefully:  Acts 21: 27. And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, 28. Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teaches all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.29. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 30. And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and then the doors were shut. 31. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band (Romans), that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. 33. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. 34. And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. 35. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was carried by the soldiers for the violence of the people. 36. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. It can be easily ascertained through their accusations that what really was getting Paul into a bit more trouble than the other Apostles and believing Jews who where in Jerusalem at that time was Paul's teaching about the First Covenant.  One must remember that Paul undoubtedly was preaching and teaching almost every day for many years. The things he wrote that are noted in this article, imagine how deeply he went into teaching them at times to the churches they started.  One can easily imagine how it might get some Jewish people up in arms, saying that Ishmael and Esau in reality represent the Israelites who refuse to put their faith in God and through his grace find true repentance,  yet zealously believe that by keeping certain rituals and rites they are justified in the eye's of God. More so, imagine how Paul taught that all the good promises and prophecies regarding Jerusalem were in fact speaking of the heavenly Jerusalem, and the earthly one is regarded as merely symbolic of the heavenly and is destined for destruction.  Indeed would not the response be from an ungrateful and faithless people that Paul was preaching against this place and against the temple? 

So lets look at a few of these scriptures other than what is listed already in the article that Paul says he got through revelation by going to reference #10  Not  forgetting that the Apostle Peter called Paul's letters (which contained his revelation) scripture. 2nd Peter 3:15. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given to him hath written unto you; 16. As also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrestle with, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 

The last section of this article will deal with the practical application of these symbolisms since author of this article is not a theologian but a preacher. One who seeks to change the world rather making arguments that prove ones point to other believers..  Christians for the most part do not know their responsibilities or the power that has been given to them in this life. Here are two scriptures that are an example. 
John 20:21. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be to you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, Receive  the Holy Ghost: 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (NIV)
Matthew 16:19. And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and what ever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
The simple meaning of these two verses is that Gods power to change things is in the hands of his people rather than in his own hands, this is not abstractly either. God intended this from the beginning. God did not stop Satan from hanging around his creation, but it was Adam and Eve who were given the power and authority to keep Satan out of their world. They through a lack of faith in Gods word, and an embracing of Satan's word allowed the devil to bring sin and death into the earth. Christ came to destroy the work of Satan in the earth, and he has chosen to do this exactly the way he started at first, by giving his people the power to rid the earth of Satan's influence. There are many other versus on this subject but as far as these two are concerned, they go way deeper than the standard Pentecostal " I bind you devil" type thing. These verses go to the very heart and soul of what an individual is or is not Christ, and what they are allowing to happen to others who may not even know Christ. In other words as far as the subject of this article goes Christians whether they realize it or not are giving Satan a place in the world to deal out death and destruction because they are ignorant of Gods word and have accepted Satan's word. "Blessed are the peacemakers" Jesus says, "they shall be called the children of God" Yet through the belief of  lies concerning the physical descendents of Israel and the physical descendants of Ishmael and Esau  Christians are part of the problem and are directly allowing Satan access to whole nations of people to kill, steal and destroy. This is not some kind of advocacy to bring these peoples to the table to talk peace, that is ridiculous. There are demonic fallen angles in almost total control of hearts and minds, there will never be peace, that is, as long as Christians allow these beings to control this part of the world. No! God is not allowing this, his people are, they are the ones, they carry  the responsibility and the power according to their faith, and if their faith is in the words of Satan then they are giving him power to control an area of the world. 
It is understandable that many will reject words such as these because they do not have any spiritual experience in these matters, at least that they perceive. It is advisable to not throw caution and the fear of God to the wind as to the validity of these claims, it is the scripture that is quoted  "Whatever you loose in the earth is loosed  or to put it in wording that is simpler, "whatever you allow on earth is allowed and whatever you do not allow will not be allowed." Hundreds of millions of Christians and the vast majority;  yes even the greatest  preachers and teachers of the day are proclaiming, believing and praying according to a lie spawned in their hearts no doubt by Satan himself that says: The natural born descendents of Isaac are Gods chosen people and the Arabs and (Muslims in general) are cursed by God according to their descent and this is why they are at war with Israel.  They might even quote a scripture like this: Malachi 1: 4..... and they shall call them, (the descendents of Esau) the border of wickedness, and, the people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever.  How can this be though? How can the scripture plainly teach through prophecy, symbolism and apostolic New Testament doctrines that Esau and Ishmael and even Cain were merely prophetic symbols of the first covenant that God had predestined to have an end. How could the bulk of modern day Christians and almost all of their teachers make the exact mistake the Jews of the first century made doctrinally? How can a whole generation of modern day Christians believe the very things that the Jewish Nation of the first Century believed politically, and were rebuked for it by Christ and his disciples, (not to mention Moses and the prophets.) How can they throw this hostile teaching in the face of a billion Muslims that God wants to save. Think about this in a practical sense, (not that Mohammed thought this.) Mohammed reads the Old Testament  and especially notices that he and his people for really no reason that he can see are hated and cursed by God and the Jews are accepted and given promises of absolute dominion over the Arabs. Furthermore who knows if the Christians of the day were not preaching this very thing just as they do today. Mohammed (and all men for that matter) knew that God could not be so unjust. How easy was it for Satan to send him a message that Abraham actually tried to sacrifice Ishmael rather than Isaac, and that the descendents of Ishmael have the blessing and the Jews are the cursed ones? Amazing that neither Jew nor Muslim nor (modern day Christian for that matter) have it right. That story did not mean what any of these groups (carnally) thought; Ishmael and Esau were rejected specifically to show that the way of reconciliation and salvation in the earth was not through the rites and rituals of the First Covenant but through the faith in and of the Messiah that was to come. How tragic that the people that are supposed to be the light of the world are preaching the Law that built a wall of hostility between Jew and Arab in the first place  (Ephesians 2:14-16.) How utterly amazing in a horrible way that the whole New Testament spends chapter after chapter condemning this type of spiritually ignorant carnal interpretations of scripture. Jesus himself going to great lengths to show the lack of understanding of all things scriptural to the people of his day and yet today this same darkness that eventually caused the destruction of the Jewish nation in 70 A.D. is the message one can hear from pulpits all over the world. 
In case you have not heard, Jesus himself has taken up personally evangelizing the Muslim world. He is appearing to hundreds of Muslims every year, bringing them to his saving grace and making them mighty soul winners amongst their own people. The story of the Apostle Paul coming to Christ is being repeated all over the world to the glory of God and his great mercy.  It is time to get in on what God is doing brothers and sisters, and it has to start by tearing down (once more) this wall that brings hostility between Jew and Muslim, between Christian and Muslim, and it has to start in the heart of the believer in repentance for being a contributor to Satan's kingdom, and not heeding the scripture that is meant to correct and bring life to a dying sinful world. The call here is not to pick a political side, at the moment the (political) nation of Israel is more righteous than their neighbors and should be politically supported for that reason. The call is to bring down this demonically inspired notion that the Muslim nations will not\cannot come to Christ when in fact they are as destined as any other people to do just that. The invitation from the Father in heaven to his people is to contribute to his government by thoroughly and heartily embracing the idea that God looks at Muslim and Jew through the exact same eyes, to him they are no different and his desire, his will  is to save. God is adamant, he will have a people that will change the Middle East through his Word, through faith in his Word and through the preaching of the Gospel. He invites you even now to participate in this great endeavor through your faith and a change of heart. Or, you can wander in the wilderness until he finds a generation that has a heart to follow him. There will be peace in the Middle East when the Gospel runs it's full course there, just as there is peace amongst other nations where the Gospel has a strong influence.  May it be said of you at the end of your days "Blessed are you, a peace maker, truly a child of God."

Isaiah 19:21. And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it. 22. And the Lord shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be entreated of them, and shall heal them. 23. In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. 24. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: 25. Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

© 2008 Daniel Martinovich

Reference #4

JESUS (Jehovah THE WORD) MADE FLESH DISCUSSING HIS DEATH WITH MOSES

Luke 9:28. And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, Jesus took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his clothing became  white and glistering. 30. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31. Who appeared in glory, and spoke of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. 33. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. 34. While he was speaking, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 35. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.36. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

© 2008 Daniel Martinovich

Reference #5

MOSES  WHO REPRESENTS THE FIRST COVENANT

Moses was not allowed to lead the children of Israel into the promised land.

Numbers 20:11.

 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he hit the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12. And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

Deuteronomy 34 

1. And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land of Gilead, to Dan, 2. And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, to the sea, 3. And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, to Zoar. 4. And the Lord said to him, This is the land which I swore to give to Abraham,  Isaac, and  Jacob, saying, I will give it to your seed;  I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over to it. 5. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 6. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knows of his sepulcher to this day. 7. And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. 8. And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 9. And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel listened to him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. 10. And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like  Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11. In all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, 12. And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses showed in the sight of all Israel.

© 2008 Daniel Martinovich

Reference #6

ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE GIVEN THROUGH JESUS ONLY

1 Peter 1:9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 10. Of which salvation the prophets (of the Old Testament) have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you: 11. Searching what, or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12. To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

2 Corinthians 1:20. For all the promises of God in him (Jesus) are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.

New International Version
Hebrews 11:39 These (Old Testament believers) were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. 

Acts 2:32. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received (Jesus having received) from the Father the Promise of the Holy Ghost, he (Jesus) hath shed forth this ( the baptism of the Holy Spirit and power), which ye now see and hear.

© 2008 Daniel Martinovich

Reference #7

THE PROMISES MADE IN THE FIRST COVENANT ARE FULFILLED IN THE SECOND ACCORDING TO  THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS 

Hebrews 3:3. For this man (Jesus) was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, in as much as he who built the house has more honor than the house. 4. For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5. And Moses truly was faithful in all his house, as a servant  testifying to what would be said in the future; 6. But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we.....

Hebrews 4:1. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.2. For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them (Israel in Moses' day) : but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it....6. Seeing therefore it remains that some must enter (the promised rest), and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7. Again, he sets a certain day, saying through David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8. For if Joshua (of Moses' day) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.

Hebrews 7:11. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the law (of Moses.) What further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12. For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law......18. For there is truly a disannulling of the commandment (the Law of Moses) which came first, because of it's weakness and unprofitableness. 19. For the law (of Moses) made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did (The Second Covenant); by the which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 8: 1. Now of the things which we have spoken this is the summery: We have such an high priest (Jesus), who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2. A minister of the sanctuary, and the true tabernacle, which the Lord built #8 (as opposed to the tabernacle Moses built) , and not man. 3. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man (Jesus) have somewhat also to offer. 4. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the (Mosaic) law: 5. Who serve the copy and shadow of heavenly things #8, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, he said, that you make all things according to the pattern showed to you on the mountain. 6. But now he (Jesus) obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8. For finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days come, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, says the Lord. 10. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11. And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13. In that he says, A new covenant, he has made the first old. Now that which decays and growing old is ready to vanish away.

It needs to be re-stated about the tabernacle that Moses built and what exactly it was a copy or shadow of. It was a copy and shadow of Gods people, his church made up of people from all nations through the second covenant. In other words the "heavenly things" that Moses' tabernacle symbolically represented were the people in whom God dwells here on earth and not some physical building one might find in heaven. 

Hebrews 9 1. Then truly the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly (physical building) sanctuary. ... 6. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 8. The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9. Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10. Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances (rituals and rites), imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building (Moses' Tabernacle) ; 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood (his own death) he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. ..... 15. And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. ..

Hebrews 10:1. For the law having a shadow (symbolic) of good things to come, and not the very image of the things (not the reality of those things), can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make those who come to it perfect. 2. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5. Wherefore when he (Jesus) comes into the world, he says, Sacrifice and offering you did not want (Psalm 40), but you have prepared a body me: 6. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you have had no pleasure. 7. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do your will, O God. 8. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin you didn't want neither had pleasure in them; which are offered by the law; 9. Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He takes away the first, that he may establish the second. 

 Hebrews 12:18. For you are not come unto the mountain that might be touched (Sinai were Moses received the Law), and that burned with fire, nor to blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19. And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20. (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21. And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 22. But you are come to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (as opposed to the physical city in the mid-east), and to an innumerable company of angels, 23. To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24. And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel. 25. See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth (Moses), how more shall we not escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven: 26. Whose voice then shook the earth (at Mount Sinai): but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27. And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made (the thing removed is the law, the tabernacle, the rites and rituals), that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29. For our God is a consuming fire.

© 2008 Daniel Martinovich

Reference #8

THE TRUE TABERNACLE OR TEMPLE THAT THE LORD BUILDS

The tabernacle of Moses and the temples built by Solomon and Herod were only symbolic of the true tabernacle\temple that God builds. These "earthly" buildings that men built are only "copies or shadows" of the "heavenly" tabernacle\temple that God builds. This heavenly tabernacle\temple that God builds is in fact the people of God here on earth, and those already in heaven as the scripture abundantly testifies too. 

Ephesians 2:19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21. In whom all the building fitly framed together grows into a holy temple in the Lord: 22. In whom ye also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:16. Don't you know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Peter 2:4. To (Jesus) ( you are) coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5. You also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, (of a building) elect, precious: and he that believes on him shall not be confounded. 7. To you therefore which believe he is precious: but to them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

© 2008 Daniel Martinovich

Reference #9

PAUL'S SUFFERINGS

Acts 9:20. And right away he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that intent, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests? 22. But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 23. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24. But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.26. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Acts 13:43. Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44. And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47. For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set you to be a light of the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth. 48. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. Act 14:1. And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brothers. 3. A Long time therefore they stayed  speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6. They were ware of it, and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the region that lies round about: 7. And there they preached the gospel.8. And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9. The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly looking at him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10. Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on your feet. And he leaped and walked. 11. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they tore their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
15. And saying, Sirs, why dare you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach to you that ye should turn from these vanities to the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16. Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 19. Then there came t certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Acts 16:16. And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17. The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show  us the way of salvation. 18. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and brought them into the marketplace to the rulers, 20. And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21. And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24. Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks....35. And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, Let those men go. 36. And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37. But Paul said to them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out in secret? No;  let them come themselves and release us. 38. And the sergeants told these words unto the magistrates:  they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 39. And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.

Acts 17:1. Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2. And Paul, as his manner was, went to them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3. Opening and alleging, that Christ needed to suffer, and rise again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. 4. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. 5. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, got   certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brothers to the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come here also; 7. Whom Jason has received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. 8. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. 9. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go. 10. And the brothers immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea: who coming there they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came there also, and stirred up the people. 14. And then immediately the brothers sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

There are many more examples but Paul's own testimony about this will cover it. 

24. Of the Jews five times received I thirty nine strips. 25. Three times was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, three times I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brothers; 27. In weariness and painfulness, not sleeping often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness. 28. Beside those things that are without, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30. If I  need to glory, I will glory of the things which concern my infirmities. 31. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knows that I lie not. 32. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33. And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

© 2008 Daniel Martinovich

Reference #10

THE APOSTLE PAUL'S REVELATION

Ephesians 2:11. Therefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles (non Jewish by race) in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision (Jewish) in the flesh made by hands; 12. That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13. But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are brought close by the blood of Christ. 14. For he is our peace, who has made both( Jew and Gentile) one , and has broken down the barrier that divided us; 15. Having abolished (ended) in his flesh the hostility, the (Mosaic) law of commandments contained in ordinances (rites, rituals, days, feasts, land grants, racial preferences) to make in himself of two (Jew  & Gentile) one new man, so making peace; 16. And that he might reconcile both (Jew & Gentile) to God in one body by the cross, having ended the hostility (the Law of Moses) through it: 17. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (Gentiles) and to those that were close (Jew). 18. For through him we both (Jew & Gentile) have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19. Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21. In whom all the building fitly framed together grows into an holy temple in the Lord: 22. In whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 3:1. For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2. If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to towards you: 3. How that by revelation he made known to me the mystery; (as I wrote before in few words, 4. Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5. Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7. That is why  I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of his power. 8. To me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10. To the intent that now  the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11. According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

Colossians 1 25. Therefore I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; 26. Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27. To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

© 2008 Daniel Martinovich